I picked this up from an LD web site. I hope Ms. Meyer won't mind me dropping into this site. I found it very informative and helpful.
Please do check out the web sites listed at the end of the article. They are great!
FUN WAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR CHILD'S VOCABULARY
by Marianne S. Meyer
Marianne Meyer
Parents of children with dyslexia or reading problems often ask, "What can I do to help my child read better?" You don't need special books or lesson plans to make a big difference. One of the best ways is to talk to--and with--your child. Why? Because when children can't read words easily, they rely more heavily on listening and discussing to learn new word meanings.
Vocabulary is critical for reading comprehension, as well as listening, discussing, and writing. Even if your child can pronounce and read a word, that doesn't mean he or she really knows its meaning. Here's what you can do to help:
Everyday Vocabulary Strategies Create a "language rich" environment by
naming and describing objects or actions
explaining things
giving reasons
asking questions
Encourage your child to use new words he or she hears.
The goal is for your child to "own a word" or "have it in his or her pocket" to use it any time he or she wants for reading, talking, and writing. Use new words repeatedly. Multiple repetitions help cement meaning.
Sometimes children learn new words after hearing them only once or twice, but more complicated words may require many repetitions in various contexts.
Connect new words with information they already know.
Use vocabulary just above your child's level.
Keep in mind your child's age and developmental level and then use words just slightly above it. Be specific. Explain the distinctions and demonstrate if you can. For example,
It's not just a "dog," it is a "collie."
It's not just "walking," it is "strolling.
Take the time to listen to your child's comments and opinions.
Encourage questions.
Questions show your child is curious and thinking.
Show your enthusiasm and excitement when your child uses a new word.
"Wow, great use of that word." Words are fun, intriguing, and challenging.
Fun Ways to Learn New Words
Talk about everyday experiences.
Discuss what you see in your neighborhood, in the grocery story, or at the mall:
Name and describe what you see
Compare it to other similar things
Put it in a category
Explain its function (Example: a station wagon opens in back for large objects; it is larger than a sedan but smaller than a truck; a vehicle used for transportation)
Take trips.
Visit a museum, farm, factory, the shore, mountains, or the prairie. Encourage your child to describe what he or she sees, hears, smells, tastes, and touches. How does it make your child feel emotionally? Ask your child and share your own sensations and feelings.
Talk to each other during dinner.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer:
What did you do today?
What fun thing happened?
How did you feel about that?
Listen carefully and then rephrase, using more advanced words. (Example: "That bird was a gosling, a baby goose.")
Play Word Basket.
Put words from experiences or readings in school in a basket on the dinner table. Each person (including adults) pulls one out and uses the word in a sentence. Have adults make mistakes so the child can correct them.
Read, read, read.
Read books, newspapers, and magazines with your child. Select books to read to your child that are "just right" for their listening level. Preview a few key words before you start. Periodically ask your child to predict what will happen next. Encourage your child to retell the story using new words. Look for sports and entertainment articles with rich, exciting words that will capture their attention.
Play Charades.
Choose words your child knows or is learning and put them in a hat. Have each person pick out one word and act out its meaning without speaking until someone guesses it.
Resources www.vocabulary-vocabulary.com/parent-resources.php
Marianne S. Meyer, M.A., was a school psychologist in Minnesota and North Carolina before becoming a neurobehavioral researcher and instructor in the Section on Neuropsychology at Wake Forest School of Medicine, a position from which she is now retired.
Please do check out the web sites listed at the end of the article. They are great!
FUN WAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR CHILD'S VOCABULARY
by Marianne S. Meyer
Vocabulary is critical for reading comprehension, as well as listening, discussing, and writing. Even if your child can pronounce and read a word, that doesn't mean he or she really knows its meaning. Here's what you can do to help:
Everyday Vocabulary Strategies
Create a "language rich" environment by
- naming and describing objects or actions
- explaining things
- giving reasons
- asking questions
Encourage your child to use new words he or she hears.The goal is for your child to "own a word" or "have it in his or her pocket" to use it any time he or she wants for reading, talking, and writing.
Use new words repeatedly. Multiple repetitions help cement meaning.
Sometimes children learn new words after hearing them only once or twice, but more complicated words may require many repetitions in various contexts.
Connect new words with information they already know.
Use vocabulary just above your child's level.
Keep in mind your child's age and developmental level and then use words just slightly above it. Be specific. Explain the distinctions and demonstrate if you can. For example,
- It's not just a "dog," it is a "collie."
- It's not just "walking," it is "strolling.
Take the time to listen to your child's comments and opinions.Encourage questions.
Questions show your child is curious and thinking.
Show your enthusiasm and excitement when your child uses a new word.
"Wow, great use of that word." Words are fun, intriguing, and challenging.
Fun Ways to Learn New Words
Talk about everyday experiences.
Discuss what you see in your neighborhood, in the grocery story, or at the mall:
- Name and describe what you see
- Compare it to other similar things
- Put it in a category
- Explain its function (Example: a station wagon opens in back for large objects; it is larger than a sedan but smaller than a truck; a vehicle used for transportation)
Take trips.Visit a museum, farm, factory, the shore, mountains, or the prairie. Encourage your child to describe what he or she sees, hears, smells, tastes, and touches. How does it make your child feel emotionally? Ask your child and share your own sensations and feelings.
Talk to each other during dinner.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer:
- What did you do today?
- What fun thing happened?
- How did you feel about that?
Listen carefully and then rephrase, using more advanced words. (Example: "That bird was a gosling, a baby goose.")Play Word Basket.
Put words from experiences or readings in school in a basket on the dinner table. Each person (including adults) pulls one out and uses the word in a sentence. Have adults make mistakes so the child can correct them.
Read, read, read.
Read books, newspapers, and magazines with your child. Select books to read to your child that are "just right" for their listening level. Preview a few key words before you start. Periodically ask your child to predict what will happen next. Encourage your child to retell the story using new words. Look for sports and entertainment articles with rich, exciting words that will capture their attention.
Play Charades.
Choose words your child knows or is learning and put them in a hat. Have each person pick out one word and act out its meaning without speaking until someone guesses it.
Resources
www.vocabulary-vocabulary.com/parent-resources.php
www.pbskids.org/lions/games
http://www.funbrain.com/brain/ReadingBrain/ReadingBrain.html
www.inspiration.com
www.eduplace.com/tales
Marianne S. Meyer, M.A., was a school psychologist in Minnesota and North Carolina before becoming a neurobehavioral researcher and instructor in the Section on Neuropsychology at Wake Forest School of Medicine, a position from which she is now retired.